The
Order of Rainbow for Girls was founded in 1922 in McAlester, Oklahoma as a
fraternal and social club for girls, aged 13—20, related to members of Masonic
lodges or to members of the Order
of the Eastern Star. It operates principally in the United States, but also in
Australia, Canada, Guam, Mexico, and the Philippines. There were 1.1 million
members in 1994.

The
Order of Rainbow for Girls clearly illustrates the extent to which Christianity
influences Adoptive Masonry. It was founded by a clergyman, the Reverend Mark W.
Sexton, the rituals are based on the ninth chapter of Genesis, and Sister Faith,
one of the officers, advises candidates that “The Altar is the most sacred
place in our Assembly Room. Upon it rests the Holy Bible, symbol of white light,
from which we derive strength to sustain us through life.” During the
initiation ritual, the Bible is opened so that “its White Light may penetrate
the heart of every member of this Assembly.” A hymn entitled “Have Thine Own
Way, Lord,” is sung, and three girls are chosen to represent Faith, Hope, and
Charity.

There are two degrees, the Initiatory and the
Grand
Cross of Color. The colors of the rainbow are said to symbolize life, religion,
nature, immortality, fidelity, 2atrotism, and virtue, and to derive from the
White Light of the Bible. Introducing a more worldly note, the initiate is
portrayed as traveling to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, as she
progresses around the seven stations that symbolize the colors and their
attributes.
At the station of Charity, she is shown a pot of gold, which also contains a
Bible and a miniature lambskin Masonic apron. Reverting to Christianity, the
Mother Advisor counsels the initiate to keep a Bible beside her bed at night,
open to the ninth chapter of Genesis, which contains the story of the Flood, and
the rainbow.